Up to 159 new NHS mental health centres will open across England from this autumn, designed to catch problems early, so fewer people reach crisis point in the first place.
In the North East, the Government’s plans for new NHS mental health services will include Mental Health Emergency Departments at Lanchester Road Hospital, County Durham, Roseberry Park, Middlesbrough (formerly St Luke’s Hospital), St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, and Sunderland.
Elsewhere, there will be two new community mental health centres in County Durham, and one each in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Redcar & Cleveland, and Sunderland.
There will be Mental Health Emergency Departments at Lanchester Road Hospital under the government’s plans (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Backed by £343 million, the rollout includes 100 new community mental health centres, offering walk-in support without a referral and without a months-long wait, and 59 dedicated mental health emergency departments in the UK.
The first sites open from autumn this year, with further facilities following from March 2027.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Nobody should be left to struggle with their mental health alone. But every day, thousands of people are waiting months for help, then finding the only door open to them is a busy A&E.
“These new centres will be a lifeline for so many. They will bring NHS services closer to home, making it easier to get support before problems get worse, and ensuring those in crisis get the right care in the right place.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham (Image: Jack Taylor/PA Wire)
“On the steps of Downing Street, I said we would build a country that acts sooner when people need help. Today is just the start of making that a reality.”
Some of the community hubs will be newly built facilities, while others will be in libraries, banks and other community or high street locations to move care closer to where people live, improving access.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Too many people are only getting mental health support when they reach crisis point, after struggling for far too long to get the help they need.
“These new community mental health centres will help people get support earlier and closer to home, making it easier to get the right care before problems escalate. And when someone does need urgent help, new mental health emergency departments will be able to make sure they are seen quickly by specialist teams in the right setting.
“This is how we can turn the tide on mental ill health – preventing more people from reaching crisis, cutting waits for care, and building an NHS which is there for everyone when they need it”
The government added that final locations are subject to designs, procurement, and business case approvals.